U.S. patent application number 16/717657 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-17 for bicycle suspension components and electronic monitoring devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to SRAM, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is SRAM, LLC. Invention is credited to BRIAN JORDAN, MARK SANTURBANE, KEVIN WESLING.
Application Number | 20210179222 16/717657 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004581102 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210179222 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SANTURBANE; MARK ; et
al. |
June 17, 2021 |
BICYCLE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND ELECTRONIC MONITORING DEVICES
Abstract
Example bicycle suspension components and electronic monitoring
devices are described herein. An example electronic monitoring
device includes a housing defining a chamber. The housing is to be
coupled to a suspension component. The electronic monitoring device
includes a circuit board disposed in the chamber and a sensor
electrically coupled to the circuit board. The sensor is to measure
a characteristic of the suspension component. The electronic
monitoring device also includes a battery holder coupled to the
circuit board.
Inventors: |
SANTURBANE; MARK; (COLORADO
SPRINGS, CO) ; JORDAN; BRIAN; (HIGHLAND PARK, IL)
; WESLING; KEVIN; (LOMBARD, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SRAM, LLC |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SRAM, LLC
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
1000004581102 |
Appl. No.: |
16/717657 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J 43/30 20200201;
B62J 45/41 20200201; B62J 45/42 20200201; B62K 25/02 20130101; B62K
2201/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62J 45/42 20060101
B62J045/42; B62K 25/02 20060101 B62K025/02; B62J 43/30 20060101
B62J043/30; B62J 45/41 20060101 B62J045/41 |
Claims
1. An electronic monitoring device for a suspension component of a
bicycle, the electronic monitoring device comprising: a housing
defining a chamber, the housing to be coupled to the suspension
component; a circuit board disposed in the chamber; a sensor
electrically coupled to the circuit board, the sensor to measure a
characteristic of the suspension component; and a battery holder
coupled to the circuit board.
2. The electronic monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the battery
holder is a coin cell battery holder.
3. The electronic monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the battery
holder is orientated such that a central axis of the battery holder
is perpendicular to a central axis of the housing.
4. The electronic monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the chamber
intersects a central axis of the housing.
5. The electronic monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the chamber
is accessible through an opening formed in an end of the
housing.
6. The electronic monitoring device of claim 5, further including a
release tab coupled to the battery holder, the release tab
extending outward from the chamber to enable a user to pull the
release tab to remove a battery from the battery holder.
7. The electronic monitoring device of claim 5, further including a
dust seal disposed over the end of the housing to substantially
seal the chamber.
8. The electronic monitoring device of claim 7, wherein the dust
seal includes a tab to be gripped by a user.
9. The electronic monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the sensor
is a pressure sensor.
10. An electronic monitoring device for a suspension component of a
bicycle, the electronic monitoring device comprising: a housing to
be coupled to the suspension component, a passageway defined
through the housing; a circuit board disposed in the housing; a
sensor electrically coupled to the circuit board, the sensor to
measure a characteristic of the suspension component; and a valve
disposed in the passageway to control a flow of fluid into or out
of the suspension component, the valve aligned along an axis that
is offset from a central axis of the housing.
11. The electronic monitoring device of claim 10, wherein the
passageway is defined between a first end of the housing and a
second end of the housing opposite the first end, further including
a dust seal disposed over the first end of the housing, the dust
seal having an opening, the valve extending through the opening in
the dust seal.
12. The electronic monitoring device of claim 11, wherein a bottom
side of the dust seal has a recess, a top edge of the circuit board
extending into the recess.
13. The electronic monitoring device of claim 10, wherein the
housing includes a wall extending from and end of the housing,
further including a cover threadably coupled to the wall.
14. The electronic monitoring device of claim 13, further including
a valve cap coupled to the valve.
15. The electronic monitoring device of claim 10, wherein the valve
is a Schrader valve.
16. A suspension component for a bicycle, the suspension component
comprising: a first tube and a second tube configured in a
telescopic arrangement, the first tube having an opening formed in
an end of the first tube; a spring including a pneumatic chamber
defined in the first tube and containing a mass of a pneumatic
fluid configured to resist compression of the telescopic
arrangement; and an electronic monitoring device disposed in the
opening, the electronic monitoring device including: a housing; a
circuit board disposed in the housing; a sensor electrically
coupled to the circuit board, the sensor to measure a
characteristic of the spring; and a wireless communicator coupled
to the circuit board, the wireless communicator at least partially
disposed on an opposite side of a plane defined by the end of the
first tube relative to the sensor.
17. The suspension component of claim 16, wherein the wireless
communicator intersects the plane.
18. The suspension component of claim 16, further including an
adjustment device coupled to the housing of the electronic
monitoring device and disposed in the pneumatic chamber.
19. The suspension component of claim 18, wherein the adjustment
device is threadably coupled to the housing.
20. The suspension component of claim 16, wherein the electronic
monitoring device includes a valve, the valve aligned along an axis
that is parallel to and offset from a longitudinal axis of the
first tube.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to bicycle components and,
more specifically, to bicycle suspension components and electronic
monitoring devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Bicycles and other vehicles are known to have suspension
components to improve vehicle ride and performance. Suspension
components are used for various applications, such as cushioning
impacts, vibrations, or other disturbances experienced by the
bicycle during use. A common application for suspension components
on bicycles is for cushioning impacts or vibrations experienced by
the rider when the bicycle is ridden over bumps, ruts, rocks, pot
holes, and/or other obstacles. These suspension components include
rear and/or front wheel suspension components. Suspension
components may also be used in other locations, such as a seat post
or handlebar, to insulate the rider from impacts.
SUMMARY
[0003] An example electronic monitoring device for a suspension
component of a bicycle is disclosed herein. The electronic
monitoring device includes a housing defining a chamber. The
housing is to be coupled to the suspension component. The
electronic monitoring device includes a circuit board disposed in
the chamber and a sensor electrically coupled to the circuit board.
The sensor is to measure a characteristic of the suspension
component. The electronic monitoring device also includes a battery
holder coupled to the circuit board.
[0004] An example electronic monitoring device for a suspension
component of a bicycle is disclosed herein. The electronic
monitoring device includes a housing to be coupled to the
suspension component. A passageway is defined through the housing.
The electronic monitoring device also includes a circuit board
disposed in the housing and a sensor electrically coupled to the
circuit board. The sensor is to measure a characteristic of the
suspension component. The electronic monitoring device further
includes a valve disposed in the passageway to control a flow of
fluid into or out of the suspension component. The valve is aligned
along an axis that is offset from a central axis of the
housing.
[0005] An example suspension component for a bicycle disclosed
herein includes a first tube and a second tube configured in a
telescopic arrangement. The first tube has an opening formed in an
end of the first tube. The suspension component also includes a
spring including a pneumatic chamber defined in the first tube and
containing a mass of a pneumatic fluid configured to resist
compression of the telescopic arrangement. The suspension component
further includes an electronic monitoring device disposed in the
opening. The electronic monitoring device includes a housing, a
circuit board disposed in the housing, a sensor electrically
coupled to the circuit board, the sensor to measure a
characteristic of the spring, and a wireless communicator coupled
to the circuit board. The wireless communicator is at least
partially disposed on an opposite side of a plane defined by the
end of the first tube relative to the sensor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a side view of an example bicycle that may employ
an example suspension component and an example electronic
monitoring device constructed in accordance with the teachings of
this disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example front fork (a
suspension component) and an example electronic monitoring device
that may be implemented with the example front fork on the example
bicycle of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 shows the example electronic monitoring device as
separated from the example front fork.
[0009] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the example electronic
monitoring device of FIG. 2.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a side view of the example front fork and the
example electronic monitoring device of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the example
front fork and the example electronic monitoring device of FIG. 2
taken along line A-A of FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the callout in FIG. 6.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a front view of the example front fork and the
example electronic monitoring device of FIG. 2 showing an example
cover and an example valve cap separated from an example housing of
the example electronic monitoring device.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a front view of the example front fork and the
example electronic monitoring device of FIG. 2 showing an example
cover, an example valve cap, an example dust seal, and an example
battery separated from an example housing of the example electronic
monitoring device.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the example front fork
and the example electronic monitoring device taken along line B-B
of FIG. 9.
[0016] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the callout in FIG. 10.
[0017] The figures are not to scale. Instead, the thickness of the
layers or regions may be enlarged in the drawings. In general, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and
accompanying written description to refer to the same or like
parts.
[0018] Descriptors "first," "second," "third," etc. are used herein
when identifying multiple elements or components that may be
referred to separately. Unless otherwise specified or understood
based on their context of use, such descriptors are not intended to
impute any meaning of priority or ordering in time but merely as
labels for referring to multiple elements or components separately
for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples,
the descriptor "first" may be used to refer to an element in the
detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in
a claim with a different descriptor such as "second" or "third." In
such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are
used merely for ease of referencing multiple elements or
components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Disclosed herein are example suspension components and
example electronic monitoring devices for use with suspension
components. The example suspension components and example
electronic monitoring devices disclosed herein may be used in
connection with a bicycle, for example. The example electronic
monitoring devices disclosed herein may be at least partially
integrated with a suspension component and used to analyze and/or
otherwise measure or qualify one or more variables and/or
characteristics of the associated suspension component. The
electronic monitoring devices include one or more characteristic
measurement devices, such as a sensor, to measure or detect the
characteristic(s) of the suspension component(s). By measuring
and/or analyzing the characteristic(s), information about the
suspension component and a rider's style can be provided to the
rider. This information can also be used to adjust or tune the
suspension component for improved performance. For example, on a
bicycle, rider weight, riding style, and terrain greatly affect the
performance of the suspension system. The performance of a
suspension system may be represented by a suspension component's
position and/or configuration versus time. This position and/or
configuration may be characterized by a linear motion or position
variable of the component. In some examples, an electronic
monitoring device is used to measure a characteristic (e.g., a gas
pressure) of a suspension component, which can be correlated to the
position variable (e.g., via the ideal gas law). Once the motion or
position variable is measured, other information can be derived,
such as velocity, acceleration, position histograms, etc. By
extension, direct measurement of other variables, such as velocity
or acceleration, can be used to derive the position of the
suspension versus time. Once the position over time is measured
and/or derived, information can be provided that can aid a user in
adjusting various settings of the suspension system to improve the
performance of the system. In many cases, the suspension system
includes settings that can be adjusted to the individual rider's
need and environment. These adjustable settings may include, for
example, air pressure, compression ratio, low speed compression
damping, high speed compression damping, low speed rebound damping,
high speed rebound damping, and/or other suspension settings.
[0020] An example suspension component disclosed herein is a front
fork on a bicycle. The front fork includes a first tube (an upper
leg) and a second tube (a lower leg) configured in a telescoping
arrangement. The front fork includes an air spring defined by a
pressurized pneumatic chamber within the first tube. The pneumatic
chamber is filled with a mass of pressurized pneumatic fluid (e.g.,
air) that resists compression of the first and second tubes, and
thereby provides cushioning for impacts and vibrations.
[0021] An example electronic monitoring device disclosed herein can
be disposed in an opening formed in an end of the first tube. The
electronic monitoring device seals the opening and is exposed to
the pressurized pneumatic fluid in the pneumatic chamber in the
first tube. The example electronic monitoring device includes a
housing that may be threadably coupled (e.g., screwed into) to the
first tube. The housing defines a chamber in which a circuit board
and a power supply, such as a battery, are disposed. The electronic
monitoring device may include one or more sensors electrically
coupled to the circuit board. The sensor(s) is/are used to measure
one or more characteristics or parameters of the suspension
component. For example, one of the sensors may be a pressure sensor
that measures a pressure of the pressurized pneumatic fluid in the
pneumatic chamber. In some examples, having the circuit board and
the battery in the same chamber enables the use of a smaller
housing compared to a housing having separate chambers for the
circuit board and the battery. This results in a smaller, lighter,
and more aesthetically pleasing package. In some examples, the
battery is disposed within a battery holder that is coupled to the
circuit board. This reduces the overall volume consumed by the
circuit board and the battery and, thus, also helps reduce the size
of the electronic monitoring device.
[0022] In some examples, the electronic monitoring device includes
a valve (e.g., a Schrader valve or a Presta valve) disposed in a
passageway extending through the housing. The valve is used to
control a flow of fluid into or out of the suspension component.
For example, the valve can be used to add or remove fluid from the
pneumatic chamber without removing the electronic monitoring device
from the suspension component. In some examples, the passageway and
the valve are aligned along an axis that is parallel to and offset
from a central axis of the housing (which is aligned with the
longitudinal axis of the first tube). In other words, the axis of
the valve and the passageway is not coincident with the central
axis of the housing and the longitudinal axis of the first tube.
This enables the chamber to positioned closer to or along the
central axis of the housing, which is the widest part of the
housing. As such, the chamber can be sized larger (e.g., wider) to
accommodate the circuit board, the battery, and/or other components
(e.g., brackets, sensors, etc.). Further, the circuit board can be
sized wider with a smaller height relative to known devices. Thus,
the housing can be sized shorter than known devices, which results
in a smaller, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing package.
[0023] In some examples, the electronic monitoring device includes
a wireless antenna or communicator. The wireless communicator may
be coupled and/or otherwise disposed on the circuit board. In some
examples, when the electronic monitoring device is disposed in the
opening of the first tube, the wireless communicator is disposed at
least partially above a plane of an end of the tube defining the
opening. In other words, the wireless communicator is disposed on a
side of the plane that is opposite the sensor in the pneumatic
chamber. This reduces the amount of obstruction and interference
caused by the first tube. Thus, the example electronic monitoring
device has improved signal range compared to known devices in which
the wireless communicator is disposed below the plane of the end of
the tube.
[0024] Also disclosed herein are example adjustment devices that
can be used to change (increase or decrease) a volume of the
pneumatic chamber to achieve specific air spring performance. An
example adjustment device may be coupled to the housing of the
electronic monitoring device, such that when the electronic
monitoring device is coupled to the suspension component, the
adjustment device is disposed in the pneumatic chamber, which
reduces the overall volume of the pneumatic chamber. In some
examples, the adjustment device is interchangeable with a larger or
smaller adjustment device. In some examples, multiple adjustment
devices may be coupled to the housing.
[0025] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates one example
of a human powered vehicle on which the example suspension
components and the example electronic monitoring devices disclosed
herein may be implemented. In this example, the vehicle is one
possible type of bicycle 100, such as a mountain bicycle. In the
illustrated example, the bicycle 100 includes a frame 102 and a
front wheel 104 and a rear wheel 106 rotatably coupled to the frame
102. In the illustrated example, the front wheel 104 is coupled to
the front end of the frame 102 via a first or front suspension
component, such as a front fork 108, and supports the front end of
the frame 102. The rear wheel 106 is coupled to the rear end of the
frame 102, and may be supported by a second or rear suspension
component, such as a rear shock 110. A front and/or forward riding
direction or orientation of the bicycle 100 is indicated by the
direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1. As such, a forward direction of
movement for the bicycle 100 is indicated by the direction of arrow
A.
[0026] The front fork 108 and the rear shock 110 form a suspension
system of the bicycle 100 to absorb shocks while riding the bicycle
100 (e.g., when riding over rougher terrain). In other examples,
the suspension system may employ only one suspension component
(e.g., only the front fork 108) or more than two suspension
components (e.g., an additional suspension component on a seat post
112) in addition to or as an alternative to the front fork 108 and
the rear shock 110.
[0027] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the bicycle 100
includes a seat 114 coupled to the frame 102 (e.g., near the rear
end of the frame 102 relative to the forward direction A) via the
seat post 112. The bicycle 100 also includes handlebars 116 coupled
to the frame 102 and the front fork 108 (e.g., near a forward end
of the frame 102 relative to the forward direction A) for steering
the bicycle 100. The bicycle 100 is shown on a riding surface 118.
The riding surface 118 may be any riding surface such as the ground
(e.g., a dirt path, a sidewalk, a street, etc.), a man-made
structure above the ground (e.g., a wooden ramp), and/or any other
surface.
[0028] In the illustrated example, the bicycle 100 has a drivetrain
120 that includes a crank assembly 122. The crank assembly 122 is
operatively coupled via a chain 124 to a sprocket assembly 126
mounted to a hub 128 of the rear wheel 106. The crank assembly 122
includes at least one, and typically two, crank arms 130 and pedals
132, along with at least one front sprocket, or chainring 134. A
rear gear change device 136, such as a derailleur, is disposed at
the rear wheel 106 to move the chain 124 through different
sprockets of the sprocket assembly 126. Additionally or
alternatively, the bicycle 100 may include a front gear change
device to move the chain 124 through gears on the chainring
134.
[0029] In the illustrated example, the front fork 108 includes an
example electronic monitoring device 138 (which may also be
referred to as a suspension component analysis (SCA) device, a
sensing device, or a detection device) that is integrated with the
front fork 108. The electronic monitoring device 138 is used to
measure or otherwise qualify one or more characteristics and/or
other variables of the front fork 108. The rear shock 110 may also
an electronic monitoring device. Electronic monitoring devices may
also be associated with other suspension components, such as the
seat post 112.
[0030] In some examples, the bicycle 100 includes a mobile device
140 that can communicate with the one or more electronic monitoring
devices 138 to provide an interface between the electronic
monitoring device(s) 138 and the user. The electronic monitoring
device(s) 138 can wirelessly transmit the measured characteristics
to the mobile device 140. In other examples, the bicycle 100 may
include one or more wired connections (e.g., wires, cables, etc.)
to communicatively couple the electronic monitoring device(s) 138
and the mobile device 140. The mobile device 140 can include a
display to present the measured characteristics to a user (e.g., a
rider). In some examples, the mobile device 140 has a user
interface (e.g., buttons, a touch screen, etc.) to receive input
commands from a user. In some examples, the mobile device 140 can
perform further analysis using the measured characteristics to
provide other information relating to the performance of one or
more suspension components. Additionally or alternatively, the
mobile device 140 can be provided to control one or more components
of the bicycle 100, such as the front fork 108. In one example, the
mobile device 140 is a device distinct from the bicycle 100, such
as a handheld mobile computing device, a smartphone, or other
computer. Multiple mobile devices may also be used.
[0031] As disclosed above, various characteristic(s) of a
suspension component may be measured and used to determine
performance of a suspension component. In some examples, gas
pressure is measured. For example, an electronic monitoring device
can include a sensor operative to measure a gas pressure in a
suspension component to calculate the suspension displacement
and/or a derivative thereof. The electronic monitoring device may
be implemented to measure the pressure (gage pressure or absolute
pressure) of a mass of gas within a bicycle suspension component.
The gas may be contained in a particular volume or chamber of the
suspension component. In some examples, the electronic monitoring
device includes a pressure sensor, such as an electro-mechanical
pressure sensor, to convert a measured gas pressure into an
electrical signal through a piezo-resistive or other effect. This
signal can then be analyzed (e.g., via the mobile device 140) to
determine the change of pressure within the suspension component
and/or the measured volume or chamber. This change in pressure is
directly related to the displacement of system components, with the
displacement being derivable through fluid dynamics calculations
such as the ideal gas law. In some examples, the derived values are
generated with additional considerations for the derivation,
including compensation for diabatic and other external effects that
may limit the assumptions required for ideal gas law
calculations.
[0032] While the example bicycle 100 depicted in FIG. 1 is a type
of mountain bicycle, the example suspension components and example
electronic monitoring devices disclosed herein can be implemented
on other types of bicycles. For example, the disclosed suspension
components and electronic monitoring devices may be used on road
bicycles, as well as bicycles with mechanical (e.g., cable,
hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) and non-mechanical (e.g., wired,
wireless) drive systems. The disclosed suspension components and
electronic monitoring devices may also be implemented on other
types of two-, three-, and four-wheeled human powered vehicles.
Further, the example suspension components and electronic
monitoring devices can be used on other types of vehicles, such as
motorized vehicles (e.g., a motorcycle, a car, a truck, etc.).
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the example front fork 108
of the example bicycle 100 (FIG. 1) with the example electronic
monitoring device 138 coupled to the front fork 108, and FIG. 3 is
another perspective view of the example front fork 108 showing the
electronic monitoring device 138 as separated from the front fork
108. Some of the internal components of the front fork 108 are
shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the front fork 108 includes a steering
tube 200, a crown 202, first and second upper legs 204, 206 (also
referred to as inner legs, tubes, or stanchions), and first and
second lower legs 208, 210 (also referred to as sliders or tubes).
The steering tube 200 couples to the frame 102 (FIG. 1) and the
handlebars 116 (FIG. 1). The first and second upper legs 204, 206
are slidably received within the respective first and second lower
legs 208, 210. Thus, the first and second upper legs 204, 206 form
a telescopic arrangement with the respective first and second lower
legs 208, 210. The first and second lower legs 208, 210 include
respective front wheel attachment portions 212, 214, such as holes
(e.g., eyelets) or dropouts, for attaching the front wheel 104
(FIG. 1) to the front fork 108.
[0035] In the illustrated example, the first upper leg 204 has a
first end 216, referred to herein as a top end 216, and a second
end 218, referred to herein as a bottom end 218, opposite the top
end 216. Similarly, the first lower leg 208 has a first end 220,
referred to herein as a top end 220, and a second end 222, referred
to herein as a bottom end 222, opposite the top end 220. The top
end 216 of the first upper leg 204 is disposed within the first
lower leg 208. The top end 216 of the first upper leg 204 and the
bottom end 222 of the first lower leg 208 form first and second
distal ends of the suspension component. During compression, the
top end 216 (the first distal end) moves toward the bottom end 222
(the second distal end), and during extension or rebound, the top
end 216 moves away from the bottom end 222. The second upper and
lower legs 206, 210 have a similar arrangement.
[0036] The legs 204, 206, 208, 210 of the front fork 108 form a
suspension system. The suspension system includes both a spring 224
and a damper 226. In this example, the spring 224 is disposed in
and/or otherwise integrated into the first upper and lower legs
204, 208, and the damper 226 is disposed in and/or otherwise
integrated into the second upper and lower legs 206, 210. In
particular, the spring 224 is disposed within and/or otherwise
defined by an interior cavity or space of the first upper and lower
legs 204, 208 bounded by the walls of the first upper and lower
legs 204, 208. Similarly, the damper 226 is disposed within and/or
otherwise defined by an interior space formed by the walls of the
second upper and lower legs 206, 210. In other examples, the spring
224 may be disposed in and/or otherwise integrated into the second
upper and lower legs 206, 210 and the damper 226 may be disposed in
and/or otherwise integrated into the first upper and lower legs
204, 208. The spring 224 is configured to resist compression of the
top end 216 (the first distal end) toward the bottom end 222 (the
second distal end) and return the legs 204, 206, 208, 210 to the
extended position after compression occurs. The damper 226 is
configured to limit the speed at which the compression/extension
occurs and/or otherwise absorb vibrations.
[0037] In this example, the spring 224 is implemented as an air
spring formed by a pneumatic chamber 228 in the first upper leg
204. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a stem 230 extends upward
from the bottom end 222 of the first lower leg 208 and through a
seal 232 in the bottom end 218 of the first upper leg 204. A piston
234 is coupled to the stem 230 and disposed within first upper leg
204. The piston 234 is slidable within the first upper leg 204. The
pneumatic chamber 228 is formed in the first upper leg 204 between
the piston 234 and the top end 216 of the first upper leg 204
(which is sealed by the electronic monitoring device 138). In some
examples, the pneumatic chamber 228 is filled with a mass of a
pneumatic fluid (e.g., a gas, such as air) having a higher pressure
than ambient pressure. Therefore, in this example, the pneumatic
chamber 228 forms a pressurized chamber (sometimes referred to as a
highly pressurized zone or positive spring chamber). When the front
fork 108 compresses and the ends of the first upper and lower legs
204, 208 move toward each other, such as when riding over a bump,
the piston 234 moves toward the top end 216 of the first upper leg
204. As a result, the volume of the pneumatic chamber 228 decreases
and, thus, the pressure of the fluid within the pneumatic chamber
228 increases. After the compression, the increased pressure acts
to push the ends of the first upper and lower legs 204, 208 away
from each other, thereby acting as a spring to return the front
fork 108 to its original or riding set up. The second upper and
lower legs 206, 210 similarly follow this motion. The pressure of
the fluid in the pneumatic chamber 228 can be correlated to the
linear displacement of the legs using the ideal gas law. Therefore,
pressure values obtained by measuring the pressure in the pneumatic
chamber 228 can be used to determine displacement and/or movement
of the front fork 108.
[0038] In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device
138 is disposed in an opening 300 (FIG. 3) formed in the top end
216 of the first upper leg 204. The electronic monitoring device
138 closes or seals the opening 300 to maintain the pressurized gas
in the pneumatic chamber 228. At least a portion of the electronic
monitoring device 138 is disposed within the interior space of the
first upper leg 204 and exposed to the fluid in the pneumatic
chamber 228. The electronic monitoring device 138 includes one or
more sensors for measuring a characteristic of the front fork 108,
such as the pressure of the fluid in the pneumatic chamber 228. The
electronic monitoring device 138 may be removably coupled to the
front fork 108. As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic monitoring
device 138 includes a housing 302. The housing 302 is cylindrical
or tube-shaped to match the inside of the first upper leg 204. The
housing 302 contains one or more components, such as a sensor, as
disclosed in further detail herein. The housing 302 has external
threads 304 that mate with internal threads inside of the opening
300 (shown in further detail in FIG. 7).
[0039] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the example electronic
monitoring device 138. As disclosed above, the electronic
monitoring device 138 includes the housing 302. The housing 302 is
used to house or contain one or more components of the electronic
monitoring device 138. The housing 302 has the external threads 304
that mate with the threads on the inside of the first upper leg 204
(FIG. 2) near the opening 300 (FIG. 3). In the illustrated example,
the housing 302 has a shoulder 400 (e.g., a lip, a ledge, etc.)
extending from an outer surface 402 of the housing 302. When the
housing 302 is screwed into the opening 300 (FIG. 3), the shoulder
400 engages the top end 216 of the first upper leg 204, which
provides a stop to ensure proper insertion.
[0040] In the illustrated example, the housing 302 has a wall 404
extending from an end (shown in further detail in connection with
FIG. 7) of the housing 302. In the illustrated example, an outside
of the wall 404 has a plurality of flat surfaces 406 (one of which
is referenced in FIG. 4). The flat surfaces 406 may be used grip
the housing 302 (e.g., via a tool, such as a wrench) when rotating
the housing 302 for installing or uninstalling the electronic
monitoring device 138. In the illustrated example, the electronic
monitoring device 138 also includes a seal 408 (e.g., an o-ring)
disposed in a seal gland 410 formed in the outer surface 402 of the
housing 302. The seal 408 creates a sealing interface between the
housing 302 and the first upper leg 204 (FIG. 2) to prevent leakage
of the pneumatic fluid.
[0041] In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device
138 includes a cover 412 that is to be coupled to the housing 302
to cover the component(s) within the housing 302. In this example,
the cover 412 is threadably coupled to the wall 404. In particular,
in the illustrated example, the wall 404 has internal threads 414.
The cover 412 has a wall with external threads (shown in further
detail in connection with FIG. 7) that mates with the internal
threads 414 on the wall 404.
[0042] To enable a user to add or remove pneumatic fluid to/from
the pneumatic chamber 228 (FIG. 2), the electronic monitoring
device 138 includes a valve 416. In this example, the valve 416 is
implemented as a Schrader valve. However, in other examples, the
valve 416 may be implemented as another type of valve, such as a
Presta valve. The valve 416 includes a valve body 418 (sometimes
referred to as a stem) and a core 420 (e.g., a poppet valve) that
controls the flow of fluid through the valve body 418. When the
electronic monitoring device 138 is assembled, the valve 416 is
disposed in a passageway defined the housing 302. In some examples,
the valve 416 includes a valve cap 422 that can be threaded onto a
top end 424 of the valve body 418.
[0043] The electronic monitoring device 138 includes circuitry
configured to receive and process (e.g., interpret) the signal(s)
from one or more sensors. In this example, the circuitry is
implemented as a circuit board 426. The circuit board 426 includes
a substrate (e.g., a board) and circuitry built on and/or contained
in the substrate. The circuit board 426 may be implemented as any
type of circuit board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), a
printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), or a flexible printed
circuit. The circuitry may also analyze and/or condition the
signals (e.g., perform AC/DC conversion, filtering, etc.). In some
examples, the circuit board 426 includes a wireless transmitter to
transmit signals (e.g., information representative of the
measurements). An example of a wireless transmitter is shown in
further detail in connection with FIG. 11. When the electronic
monitoring device 138 is assembled, the circuit board 426 is
disposed in a chamber formed in the housing 302. In some examples,
the chamber is substantially sealed to isolate the chamber from
outside air and/or the pneumatic fluid in the pneumatic chamber 228
(FIG. 2).
[0044] The electronic monitoring device 138 includes a power supply
to provide power to the sensor(s), the circuit board 426, and/or
any other electrical component of the electronic monitoring device
138. In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device
138 includes a battery 428 implemented as the power supply. In
other examples, more than one battery may be used. In this example,
the battery 428 is implemented as a coin cell battery (e.g., a
CR2032 coin cell battery), sometimes referred to as a button cell
battery or watch battery, which is a small disk-shaped battery.
[0045] In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device
138 includes a battery holder 430 to receive the battery 428 and
interface with the terminals of the battery 428 (e.g., the flat
sides of the battery 428). In this example, the battery holder 430
is a coin cell battery holder. However, in other examples, the
battery holder 430 may be implemented as a different type of holder
for different type of battery. The battery holder 430 includes a
slot 432 (e.g., a disc-shaped slot) to receive the battery 428.
When the battery 428 is disposed in the slot 432 (assuming the
battery 428 is charged), the battery 428 powers the circuit board
426 and other electrical components of the electronic monitoring
device 138. In this example, the battery holder 430 is coupled to
the circuit board 426 (e.g., to a back side of the circuit board
426), such that when the battery 428 is disposed in the battery
holder 430, the battery 428 is oriented parallel to the circuit
board 426. As such, the battery 428 is disposed relatively close to
the circuit board 426. This arrangement results in a smaller space
consumed by the circuit board 426 and the battery 428, which
enables the electronic monitoring device 138 to be sized smaller.
In other examples, the battery holder 430 may be separate from the
circuit board 426.
[0046] In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device
138 includes a release tab 434 coupled to the battery holder 430.
The release tab 434 is a thin strip of material (e.g., metal) that
is partially disposed along a bottom of the slot 432. The release
tab 434 extends outward from the slot 432 and beyond a top edge 436
of the circuit board 426. The release tab 434 may be pulled by a
user to remove the battery 428 from the battery holder 430. In
other examples, a release tab may not be included.
[0047] In some examples, the electronic monitoring device 138
includes a dust seal 438. The dust seal 438 may be constructed of
rubber, for example. The dust seal 438 may be disposed in the
housing 302 before attaching the cover 412. The dust seal 438 may
be used to provide extra covering to prevent dust and other debris
from entering the chamber or other areas where the electrical
components are disposed. The dust seal 438 may be held in place via
friction fit. In the illustrated example, the dust seal 438 has an
opening 440. When the electronic monitoring device 138 is
assembled, the valve body 418 of the valve 416 extends through the
opening 440. As such, the dust seal 438 does not need to be removed
to access the valve 416. In the illustrated example, the dust seal
438 has a tab 442 that can be gripped by a user when removing and
inserting the dust seal 438.
[0048] The electronic monitoring device 138 may include one or more
sensors to measure or detect one or more parameters or
characteristics of the spring 224 (FIG. 2). In the illustrated
example, the electronic monitoring device 138 includes a pressure
sensor 444. The pressure sensor 444 is to be electrically coupled
to the circuit board 426, such that the circuit board 426 receives
signals from the pressure sensor 444. In this example, the pressure
sensor 444 is electrically coupled to the circuit board 426 via a
flexible printed circuit 445. When the electronic monitoring device
138 is assembled, a portion of the pressure sensor 444 extends from
a bottom of the housing 302, such that the pressure sensor 444 is
exposed to the pneumatic fluid and can detect a pressure of the
pneumatic fluid. The electronic monitoring device 138 includes a
seal 446 (e.g., an o-ring) to seal an opening through which the
pressure sensor 444 extends (shown in further detail in connection
with FIG. 7). In other examples, the electronic monitoring device
138 may include one or more other types of sensors in addition to
or as an alternative to the pressure sensor 444.
[0049] In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device
138 includes a first mount or bracket 448 for coupling the circuit
board 426 to the housing 302. When the electronic monitoring device
138 is assembled, the first bracket 448 is coupled to the circuit
board 426 via fasteners 452 (e.g., threaded fasteners such as
screws, bolts, etc.), and the first bracket 448 is coupled to the
housing 302 via fasteners 453, which may be threaded fasteners. Any
number of fasteners 452, 453 may be used. In other examples, the
first bracket 448 may be coupled to the circuit board 426 and/or
the housing 302 using other fastening techniques (e.g., friction
fit, adhesives, etc.). Further, in other examples, no bracket may
be used. Instead, the circuit board 426 may be coupled directly to
the housing 302 (e.g., via threaded fasteners).
[0050] In the illustrated example, the electronic monitoring device
138 includes a second mount or bracket 450. When the electronic
monitoring device 138 is assembled, the second bracket 450 is
coupled to the housing 302 via threaded fasteners 454 (e.g.,
screws, bolts, etc.) over the pressure sensor 444. The second
bracket 450 reacts to pressure lads on the pressure sensor 444. Any
number of threaded fasteners 454 may be used. In other examples,
the second bracket 450 may be coupled to the housing 302 using
other fastening techniques (e.g., friction fit, adhesives,
etc.).
[0051] FIG. 5 is a side view of the example front fork 108 with the
example electronic monitoring device 138. FIG. 6 is a partial
cross-sectional view of the example front fork 108 and the example
electronic monitoring device 138 taken along line A-A of FIG. 5. As
shown in FIG. 6, the electronic monitoring device 136 is nearly
completely disposed in the first upper leg 204. This is
advantageous over known devices that have externally mounted
components, because the components in the electronic monitoring
device 136 are less susceptible to damage from the environment.
Further, this more aesthetically pleasing to riders.
[0052] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the callout 600 in FIG. 6. As
shown in FIG. 7, the electronic monitoring device 138 is disposed
in the opening 300 formed in the top end 216 of the first upper leg
204. As such, the electronic monitoring device 138 is at least
partially disposed within the pressurized chamber 228 formed in the
first upper leg 204. In the illustrated example, the top end 216
and the opening 300 are formed in part by the crown 202. However,
it is understood that the crown 202 and the first upper leg 204 may
be formed as two separated components or as one integral component
and, thus, the crown 202 may form part of the first upper leg
204.
[0053] In the illustrated example, the external threads 304 on the
housing 302 are threadably engaged with matching internal threads
700 on an inner surface 702 of the first upper leg 204. The housing
302 may be screwed into or out of the opening 300 to install or
uninstall the electronic monitoring device 138. When the housing
302 is being screwed into the first upper leg 204, the shoulder 400
engages the top end 216, which forms a stop or seat to prevent the
housing 302 from being further inserted into the opening 300. The
seal 408 is compressed between the housing 302 and the inner
surface 702 of the first upper leg 204, which prevents leakage of
pneumatic fluid out of the pneumatic chamber 228.
[0054] In the illustrated example, the housing 302 has a first end
704 (e.g., a top end) and a second end 706 (e.g., a bottom end)
opposite the first end 704. The housing 302 has a central axis 708.
The central axis 708 is coincident with or the same as a
longitudinal axis of the first upper leg 204. In the illustrated
example, the housing 302 defines a chamber 710. In this example,
the circuit board 426 and the battery 428 are disposed at least
partially in the chamber 710. The circuit board 426 is coupled to
the housing 302 in the chamber 710 via the first bracket 448 (FIG.
4). In the illustrated example, the circuit board 426 and the
battery 428 are oriented vertically in the chamber 710. In
particular, the battery 428 and the battery holder 430 are oriented
such that a central axis 712 of the battery 428 and the battery
holder 430 is perpendicular to the central axis 708 of the housing
302. Because the circuit board 426 and the battery 428 are disposed
in the same chamber, the housing 302 can be sized smaller than
known devices that have separate chambers for a circuit board and a
power supply. This results in a lighter, smaller volume, less
expensive device.
[0055] In the illustrated example, the chamber 710 is accessible
through an opening 714 formed in the first end 704 of the housing
302. The dust seal 438 is disposed over the first end 704 of the
housing 302 and covers the opening 714 to substantially seal the
chamber 710, thereby protecting the circuit board 426 and other
components in the chamber 710 from debris and other material. In
the illustrated example, the dust seal 438 is engaged with the
first end 704 of the housing 302. In other examples, the dust seal
438 may be spaced from the first end 704 of the housing 302. The
dust seal 438 has a lip 716 that fits under a shoulder 718 on the
housing 302 to hold the dust seal 438 in place. As disclosed above,
the dust seal 438 may be constructed of rubber or another flexible
material. As such, the dust seal 438 can be press fit under the
shoulder 718 to install the dust seal 438. The dust seal 438 may be
pulled out (e.g., by pulling on the tab 442) from the shoulder 718
and removed to access the circuit board 426, the battery 428,
and/or other component(s) in the housing 302.
[0056] In the illustrated example, the pressure sensor 444 extends
at least partially into an opening 720 between the chamber 710 and
the second end 706 of the housing 302. As such, the pressure sensor
444 is exposed to the pneumatic fluid in the pneumatic chamber 228.
The second bracket 450 is disposed over the pressure sensor 444 to
react to pressure loads on the pressure sensor 444. The seal 446 is
disposed in the opening 720 between the pressure sensor 444 and the
housing 302 to prevent leakage of pneumatic fluid into the chamber
710. In this example, the pressure sensor 444 extends beyond the
second end 706 of the housing 302. However, in other examples, the
pressure sensor 444 may not extend beyond the second end 706 of the
housing 302.
[0057] In the illustrated example, the housing 302 has a passageway
722 defined through the housing 302 between a first opening 724 in
the first end 704 of the housing 302 and a second opening 726 in
the second end 706 of the housing 302. The valve 416 is disposed in
the passageway 722 and extends outward from the first opening 724.
In this example, the valve body 418 is screwed into the housing 302
and a seal 728 is disposed between the housing 302 and the valve
body 418 in the passageway 722. In other examples, the valve body
418 may be coupled to the housing 302 via other techniques (e.g.,
friction fit, adhesives, etc.). As shown in FIG. 7, the valve body
418 extends through the opening 440 in the dust seal 438. The valve
416 is used to control the flow of pneumatic fluid through the
passageway 722 and, thus, can be used to add or remove pneumatic
fluid to/from the pneumatic chamber 228. In the illustrated
example, a bottom side 727 of the dust seal 438 has a recess 729.
The top edge 436 of the circuit board 426 extends into the recess
729. In some examples, this enables certain components on the
circuit board 426 to be disposed above a plane defined by the top
end 216 of the first upper leg 204, as disclosed in further detail
in connection with FIG. 11.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 7, the passageway 722 and, thus, the valve
416 are aligned along an axis 730. The axis 730 is parallel to and
offset from the central axis 708 of the housing 302 (and the
longitudinal axis of the first upper leg 204) by a distance D. This
enables the chamber 710 for the circuit board 426 and the battery
428 to be more centrally located, where the housing 302 is wider.
In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, the chamber 710 intersects the
central axis 708 of the housing 302. This enables the chamber 710
to be sized larger (wider) to contain the component(s) of the
electronic monitoring device 138. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the
circuit board 426 and the battery 428 can be disposed along or
close to the central axis 708 of the housing 302. This location is
the widest dimension (diameter) of the housing 302. As such, the
circuit board 426 can be sized wider (into and out of the figure)
and therefore less deep. This reduces the overall length or depth
required of the housing 302.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, the wall 404 extends from the first end
704 of the housing 302. In the illustrated example, the cover 412
has a wall 732 with external threads 734. The external threads 734
mate with the internal threads 414 of the wall 404 to threadably
couple the cover 412 to the wall 404. Thus, the cover 412 can be
screwed onto or off of the housing 302.
[0060] In some examples, it may be desired to change (e.g., reduce)
the volume of the pneumatic chamber 228 for specific air spring
tuning. Therefore, in some examples, the electronic monitoring
device 138 may include one or more adjustment devices to change the
volume of the pneumatic chamber 228. For example, as shown in FIG.
7, the electronic monitoring device 138 includes an adjustment
device 736 coupled to the housing 302 and disposed in the pneumatic
chamber 228. The adjustment device 736 consumes space in the
pneumatic chamber 228, thereby reducing the overall volume of the
pneumatic chamber 228. The adjustment device 736 includes openings
738 to enable the pneumatic fluid in the pneumatic chamber 228 to
fill an area 740 between the second end 706 of the housing 302 and
the adjustment device 736, so that the pressure sensor 444 is still
exposed to the fluid in the pneumatic chamber 228.
[0061] In this example, the adjustment device 736 is threadably
coupled to the housing 302. For example, the housing 302 has a wall
742 extending from the second end 706 of the housing 302. The wall
742 has internal threads 744. The adjustment device 736 has
external threads 746 that mate with the internal threads 744 on the
housing 302. In other examples, the adjustment device 736 may be
coupled to the housing 302 via other chemical and/or mechanical
fastening techniques, such as interference fit, friction fit,
welding, soldering, adhesives, magnets, etc. The adjustment device
736 may be coupled to the housing 302 before the housing 302 is
inserted into the first upper leg 204.
[0062] In some examples, the adjustment device 736 is
interchangeable with other adjustment devices. For example, the
housing 302 may be removed from the first upper leg 204 and the
adjustment device 736 may be replaced with a larger or smaller
sized adjustment device depending on the desired volume
reduction/increase. Additionally or alternatively, one or more
additional adjustment devices may be coupled to the adjustment
device 736. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the adjustment device
736 has a wall 748 with internal threads 750. The internal threads
750 are sized to mate with the external threads 746. Therefore,
another adjustment device, being the same size and shape as the
adjustment device 736, can be screwed into the adjustment device
736. Multiple adjustment devices can be screwed together in a
stacked manner. Thus, only one size/shape adjustment device may
need to be manufactured, and then multiple ones of the adjustment
devices can be stacked together depending on the desired volume
reduction/increase.
[0063] FIG. 8 is a front view of the front fork 108 with the
electronic monitoring device 138. If a user desires to change the
amount of fluid (e.g., air) in the pneumatic chamber 228 (FIG. 2),
the user may remove the cover 412 from the housing 302 (e.g., by
unscrewing the cover 412) and remove the valve cap 422 from the
valve body 418 (e.g., by unscrewing the valve cap 422), as shown in
FIG. 8. A user can open the valve 416 (e.g., by pressing on the
core 420 (FIG. 4) to release pneumatic fluid from the pneumatic
chamber 228. A user can also open the valve 416 (e.g., by contact
with a nozzle on a pump hose) and pump fluid through the valve 416
and into the pneumatic chamber 228. The dust seal 438 does not need
to be removed to operate the valve 416. After the desired pressure
is reached, the user can reattach the valve cap 422 and the cover
412. Thus, the electronic monitoring device 138 does not need to be
removed from the front fork 108 to adjust the pressure in the
pneumatic chamber 228.
[0064] FIG. 9 is another front view of the front fork 108 with the
electronic monitoring device 138. If a user desires to remove the
battery 428, for example, the user may remove the cover 412 from
the housing 302 (e.g., by unscrewing the cover 412), remove the
valve cap 422 from the valve body 418 (e.g., by unscrewing the
valve cap 422), remove the dust seal 438 from the housing 302, and
then remove the battery 428 from the housing 302, as shown in FIG.
9. The dust seal 438 includes the tab 442, which enables a user to
easily grip the dust seal 438 when removing the dust seal 438. The
battery 428 can be charged and reinstalled or can be replaced with
another battery. Once a battery is installed, for example, the user
can reinstall the dust seal 438, and then reattach the valve cap
422 and the cover 412.
[0065] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the front fork 108 and
the electronic monitoring device 138 taken along line B-B of FIG.
9. The cover 412, the valve cap 422, the dust seal 438, and the
battery 428 are shown as separated from the housing 302.
[0066] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the callout 1000 in FIG. 10.
As shown in FIG. 11, the release tab 434 of the battery holder 430
(FIG. 4) extends upward and out of the chamber 710. Once the dust
seal 438 (FIG. 10) is removed, the release tab 434 can be pulled to
help extract the battery 428 (FIG. 10) from the battery holder
430.
[0067] As disclosed above, when the housing 302 is fully screwed
into the first upper leg 204, the shoulder 400 engages the top end
216 of the first upper leg 204. A plane 1100 (which may be referred
to as a housing seating plane) is defined by the top end 216 of the
first upper leg 204. The circuit board 426 is disposed in the
chamber 710 formed in the housing 302. In the illustrated example,
the electronic monitoring device 138 includes a wireless antenna or
communicator 1102 to transmit signals (e.g., data representative of
pressure measurements) to one or more devices, such as the mobile
device 140 (FIG. 1). In the illustrated example, the wireless
communicator 1102 is disposed on and/or otherwise coupled to the
circuit board 426 at or near the top edge 436 of the circuit board
426. At least a portion of the wireless communicator 1102 is to be
positioned above the plane 1100. In other words, the wireless
communicator 1102 is at least partially disposed on an opposite
side of the plane 1100 relative to the pressure sensor 444 and
other electrical components in the housing 302. This reduces the
amount of obstruction or interference caused by the first upper leg
204 compared to known devices where the wireless communicator is
disposed further down in the suspension component. In this example,
the wireless communicator 1102 intersects the plane 1100. In other
examples, the wireless communicator may be separated by a specific
distance from (above) the plane 1100. The location of the wireless
communicator 1102 may be determined by various parameters, such as
by the location of the shoulder 400 on the housing 302, the
location of the circuit board 426 within the chamber 710, and/or
the location of the wireless communicator 1102 on the circuit board
426. Any of these parameters can be modified to change the location
of the wireless communicator relative to the plane 1100. While in
this example the wireless communicator 1102 is coupled to the
circuit board 426, in other examples, the wireless communicator
1102 may not be coupled to circuit board 426. Instead, the wireless
communicator 1102 may be coupled directly to the housing 302.
[0068] In some examples, the electronic monitoring device 138
includes a switch to turn the electronic monitoring device on or
off. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the electronic monitoring
device 138 includes a switch 1104. In this example, the switch 1104
is coupled to the circuit board 426 at or near the top edge 436 of
the circuit board 426. A user may activate the switch (e.g., by
pressing the switch) to turn the electronic monitoring device 138
on or off. In other examples, the switch 1104 may be disposed in
other locations. In some examples, the electronic monitoring device
138 includes an indicator to indicate whether the electronic
monitoring device 138 is active. For example, as shown in FIG. 11,
the electronic monitoring device 138 includes a light 1106 (e.g.,
an LED light). In this example, the light 1106 is coupled to the
circuit board 426 at or near the top edge 436 of the circuit board
426. The light 1106 may illuminate when the electronic monitoring
device 138 is activate and the battery 428 (FIG. 4) has sufficient
power. If the light 1106 is not illuminated, it may indicate to the
user the electronic monitoring device 138 is off or does not have
sufficient power. In other examples, other types of indicators may
be used (e.g., an audible alert, a vibration, etc.) in addition to
or as an alternative to the light 1106.
[0069] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are
intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the
various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as
a complete description of all of the elements and features of
apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods
described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those
of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other
embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such
that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally,
the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn
to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be
exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly,
the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative
rather than restrictive.
[0070] While this specification contains many specifics, these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of
features specific to particular embodiments of the invention.
Certain features that are described in this specification in the
context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in
combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features
that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also
be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any
suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be
described above as acting in certain combinations and even
initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed
combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and
the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or
variation of a sub-combination.
[0071] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent
arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be
substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is
intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations
of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and
other embodiments not specifically described herein, are apparent
to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.
[0072] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37
C.F.R. .sctn. 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that
it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of
the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description,
various features may be grouped together or described in a single
embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This
disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that
the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly
recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the
features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following
claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each
claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject
matter.
[0073] It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be
regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is
understood that the following claims including all equivalents are
intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should
not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless
stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within
the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents
thereto are claimed as the invention.
* * * * *